JARROW Rooofing boss Richie McLoughlin reckons it is now a four-horse race for the three promotion places in the Skilltrainingltd Northern League Second Division.

Just four points separate the leading four teams with North Shields fifth, but they trail fourth-top Jarrow by seven points and have played two more games.

“It looks as if it’s down to Marske United, Sunderland RCA, Stokesley and ourselves,” said McLoughlin following his side’s draw in the crunch match at Stokesley on Saturday.

“RCA led the table for several weeks and at one time enjoyed a big advantage but they were knocked off their perch at the weekend and I think teams will exchange positions right up until the last day.

“We go to newly-installed leaders Marske United on Wednesday in another important match but I suppose they all are at this stage of the season.

“Marske have to play Stokesley twice, so anything can happen. Our task is simple – to win as many points as possible and see where we are on the final day.”

Roofing were two goals behind at half-time when Stokesley’s Brian Close and Stuart Wise struck, but McLoughlin’s side hit back to take a point when Daniel Kirkup and Michael Hepplewhite scored.

Hebburn Town were unable to halt Marske’s promotion challenge but the South Tynesiders, third from bottom, made their illustrious hosts work hard for a 2-0 victory.

Sunderland RCA met Whitehaven for the second successive week and after sharing the points in Cumbria, neither side managed a goal at Meadow Park.

Morpeth Town have a mountain to climb if they are to avoid dropping into the Second Division, especially following a six-goals blitz by West Allotment Celtic, when former player Marc Walton scored four times.

Although they still have 14 fixtures to play, Morpeth are rooted to the bottom of the table, having claimed just 12 points from 28 matches.

They currently need another 20 just to move out of the bottom three and it looks a tall order for manager Jon King, who lost almost an entire squad last summer because of the uncertain future for the club.

Their Craik Park ground has been out of bounds and ground sharing is not ideal and has no doubt contributed to Morpeth having played fewer fixtures than any other side.

Horden CW remain second bottom after their odd goal defeat by Billingham Town, who eased their relegation fears, and Ryton slipped into the other drop position after a two goals defeat at Bishop Auckland.

Only three points separate five clubs, with Billingham Town, Esh Winning, Chester-le-Street, West Auckland Town and Ryton, along with Horden CW and Morpeth Town, all fighting to avoid the drop.